Resume Now Review: Pros, Cons & Best Alternatives

Table of Contents#

What is Resume Now?
Pros of Resume Now
- User-Friendly Interface
- Template Variety
- Customization Options
- Quick Resume Generation
Cons of Resume Now
- Limited Free Version
- Template Design Limitations
- Customer Support Issues
- Pricing Concerns
Best Alternatives to Resume Now
- Canva
- Zety
- Novoresume
- Resume Genius
Common Practices for Resume Building
- Tailoring Your Resume
- Using Action Verbs
- Highlighting Achievements
- Formatting and Layout
Best Practices for Using Resume Builders
- Researching Templates
- Proofreading Thoroughly
- Updating Regularly
- Seeking Feedback
Example Usage of Resume Builders
- For a Fresh Graduate
- For a Mid-Career Professional
- For a Career Changer
Conclusion
References

What is Resume Now?#

Resume Now is an online resume-building platform that offers a range of templates and tools to help users create professional resumes. It aims to simplify the resume creation process by providing pre-designed layouts and sections that users can fill in with their information.

Pros of Resume Now#

User-Friendly Interface#

Intuitive Design: Resume Now has a simple and easy-to-navigate interface. Even those with little to no technical skills can quickly understand how to use the platform.
Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Many of its features, such as adding or rearranging sections, can be done with a simple drag-and-drop action. For example, if you want to move your work experience section above your education section, you can just click and drag it to the desired position.

Template Variety#

Diverse Options: There is a wide selection of templates available, catering to different industries and job levels. Whether you're applying for a creative role (with more visually appealing templates) or a corporate position (with more traditional and formal designs), you can find something suitable.
Industry-Specific Templates: Some templates are tailored to specific fields like healthcare, IT, or finance. This can give your resume an edge as it aligns with the expectations of recruiters in that industry.

Customization Options#

Text Formatting: You can customize the font, size, color, and style of the text. For instance, you can make headings bold and larger to stand out.
Section Addition/Removal: You have the flexibility to add or remove sections as per your needs. If you have a lot of volunteer experience that you want to highlight, you can add a dedicated volunteer section.

Quick Resume Generation#

Time-Saving: If you're in a hurry, Resume Now can generate a basic resume quickly. You just enter your key details like name, contact information, work history, and education, and it will put it together in a presentable format. This is useful when you need to apply for a job at short notice.

Cons of Resume Now#

Limited Free Version#

Feature Restrictions: The free version of Resume Now offers only a few basic templates and has limitations on customization. For example, you might not be able to access all the font options or advanced formatting features.
Watermark: The resume generated in the free version usually has a watermark, which can make it look less professional when you send it to potential employers.

Template Design Limitations#

Lack of Creativity in Some Templates: While there are some good templates, a few of them may look a bit generic or outdated. The design elements might not be as modern or visually striking as what you could create with more advanced design tools.
Limited Color Palettes: The color options for some templates are restricted. If you want a more unique color scheme that reflects your personal brand, you might be disappointed.

Customer Support Issues#

Response Time: Some users have reported that the customer support response time can be slow. If you encounter a technical issue while creating your resume (like a template not loading properly), you may have to wait a while for a solution.
Quality of Support: In some cases, the support provided may not be very helpful. They might give generic answers instead of addressing the specific problem you're facing.

Pricing Concerns#

Cost: The paid versions of Resume Now can be relatively expensive compared to some of its competitors. When you consider that there are other resume builders offering similar or better features at a lower price, it makes you think twice about subscribing.
Subscription Model: The pricing is often based on a subscription model. If you only need to create a resume once in a while, paying a monthly or annual fee might not be cost-effective.

Best Alternatives to Resume Now#

Canva#

Pros:
- Extensive Design Options: Canva has a vast library of design elements, including graphics, icons, and high-quality images. You can create a truly unique and visually appealing resume. For example, you can add a relevant icon next to each section heading.
- Collaboration Features: If you want to get feedback from a friend or mentor, you can share the resume with them in Canva, and they can make comments and suggestions in real-time.
- Free Version with Good Features: The free version of Canva offers a lot of functionality. You can access many templates and design tools without having to pay.
Cons:
- Learning Curve for Design Beginners: While it's powerful, if you're not familiar with design principles, it might take some time to learn how to use all the features effectively.
- File Size Concerns: If you add too many high-resolution images or complex graphics, the resume file size can become large, which might cause issues when uploading it to some job portals.

Zety#

Pros:
- AI-Powered Suggestions: Zety uses artificial intelligence to give you suggestions on how to improve your resume. It can analyze your content and recommend better action verbs or ways to structure your sections. For instance, if you wrote "Responsible for handling customer complaints" in your work experience, it might suggest changing it to "Successfully resolved customer complaints, improving customer satisfaction by [X]%".
- ATS Compatibility: It is designed to be compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This means that the resume format is optimized so that it can be easily read by the software used by employers to screen resumes.
- Affordable Pricing: Zety offers competitive pricing, especially when compared to Resume Now. The value for money is quite good, considering the features it provides.
Cons:
- Template Quantity: The number of templates available is not as extensive as some other platforms. But the ones they have are well-designed and professional.
- Limited Advanced Design Features: If you're looking for very complex design elements like 3D graphics, it might not have them. But for a standard professional resume, it's more than sufficient.

Novoresume#

Pros:
- Modern and Minimalist Templates: Novoresume focuses on clean and modern designs. The templates are sleek and easy to read, which is great for a professional look.
- One-Click Optimization: With just one click, it can optimize your resume for ATS. It checks for keywords, formatting, and other factors that are important for getting past the initial screening.
- Mobile-Friendly: The resumes created on Novoresume look good on mobile devices as well. This is important because many recruiters might view your resume on their phones.
Cons:
- Limited Customization in Free Version: Similar to Resume Now, the free version has some limitations. You might not be able to access all the advanced customization options.
- Customer Support Availability: The customer support hours might not be 24/7. If you need help outside of their regular support hours, you might have to wait.

Resume Genius#

Pros:
- Large Resume Database: Resume Genius has a huge database of resume examples for different industries and job positions. You can browse through them to get inspiration. For example, if you're applying for a marketing manager role, you can see how others have structured their resumes in that field.
- Step-by-Step Guide: It provides a detailed step-by-step guide on resume writing. Even if you're a complete beginner, it will walk you through each section, explaining what to include and how to make it effective.
- Affordable Pricing: The pricing plans are reasonable. You can get access to all the features for a relatively low cost, especially if you take advantage of any promotions they offer.
Cons:
- Template Design: Some of the templates might look a bit basic. The design might not be as eye-catching as what you could create with more design-oriented platforms.
- Limited Advanced Features: If you want to do very advanced formatting or add complex design elements, it might not have the tools for that. But for a straightforward, well-written resume, it's a good option.

Common Practices for Resume Building#

Tailoring Your Resume#

Research the Job: Before you start writing your resume, carefully read the job description. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and keywords that the employer is looking for. Then, make sure to include those in your resume. For example, if the job requires "project management experience," mention any projects you've managed in your work history.
Customize for Each Application: Don't use the same generic resume for every job. Tweak it slightly based on the specific requirements of each position. If one job emphasizes teamwork and another focuses on leadership, highlight the relevant aspects of your experience accordingly.

Using Action Verbs#

Power Words: Start your bullet points in the work experience section with strong action verbs. Instead of saying "I was in charge of...", say "Led a team of [X] members to complete the project on time." Other examples of action verbs are "Created," "Implemented," "Streamlined," etc.
Show Impact: Along with the action verb, mention the impact or result of your action. For instance, "Increased sales by 20% through effective marketing strategies." This makes your achievements more tangible.

Highlighting Achievements#

Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements. If you improved a process, state by what percentage. If you saved the company money, mention the amount. This gives recruiters a clear idea of your value.
Include Non-Work Achievements: If you have relevant achievements outside of work, like winning a business plan competition as a student or leading a community project, include them. They can showcase your skills and qualities.

Formatting and Layout#

Consistent Formatting: Use the same font, font size, and formatting style throughout the resume. For example, if you use Arial 11pt for the body text, use the same for all sections.
White Space: Don't overcrowd the resume. Leave enough white space between sections and lines. This makes it easier to read. You can use margins and line spacing to control the white space.

Best Practices for Using Resume Builders#

Researching Templates#

Industry Relevance: Look for templates that are appropriate for the industry you're targeting. As mentioned earlier, a creative industry might prefer more visually engaging templates, while a corporate job might require a more traditional one.
Readability: Check how easy the template is to read. The font should be legible, and the sections should be well-organized. You can preview the template with sample text to see how it looks.

Proofreading Thoroughly#

Spelling and Grammar: Use the spell-check feature of the resume builder (if available) and also read through the resume manually. A simple spelling or grammar mistake can make you look unprofessional.
Consistency in Details: Make sure all the details are consistent. For example, if you mention your job title as "Marketing Associate" in one section, don't call it "Marketing Assistant" in another.

Updating Regularly#

New Skills and Experiences: As you gain new skills, complete projects, or get promoted, update your resume. This ensures that it always reflects your current capabilities.
Industry Changes: Keep an eye on industry trends and update your resume to include any new keywords or skills that are becoming important.

Seeking Feedback#

Colleagues/Peers: Ask your colleagues or peers in the same industry to review your resume. They can give you insights from an insider's perspective.
Career Counselors: If you have access to a career counselor (like in a university career center), they can provide valuable feedback on the overall structure and effectiveness of your resume.

Example Usage of Resume Builders#

For a Fresh Graduate#

Using Canva:
- Template Selection: Choose a clean and modern template with a section for education, relevant coursework, internships (if any), and skills.
- Content Addition: In the education section, list your degree, university name, graduation date, and any academic achievements (like Dean's List). For skills, include both technical skills (e.g., proficiency in Microsoft Office, basic coding languages if relevant) and soft skills (communication, teamwork).
- Design Elements: Add a simple icon related to education (like a graduation cap) next to the education section heading. Use a light color scheme that looks fresh and youthful.
Using Zety:
- AI Suggestions: Let Zety's AI analyze your content. It might suggest rephrasing some of your statements in the internship section to make them more impactful. For example, if you wrote "Assisted in marketing campaigns," it might suggest "Contributed to the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, resulting in a [X]% increase in social media engagement."
- ATS Optimization: Use the one-click optimization feature to ensure your resume is ready to pass through any applicant tracking systems.

For a Mid-Career Professional#

Using Novoresume:
- Template Choice: Select a template with sections for work experience (with multiple jobs listed), skills (both technical and leadership), and achievements.
- Work Experience Details: In each job entry, use action verbs and quantify achievements. For example, "Managed a team of 10 software developers, delivering projects 15% ahead of schedule and within budget."
- Skill Highlighting: Create a separate skills section and categorize your skills (e.g., Technical Skills: Python, Java; Leadership Skills: Team Management, Strategic Planning).
Using Resume Genius:
- Example Browsing: Look at the resume examples for mid-career professionals in your industry. Get ideas on how to structure your achievements and present your career progression.
- Step-by-Step Guide: Follow the guide to ensure you're including all the necessary sections and presenting your information in the most effective way.

For a Career Changer#

Using Canva:
- Template Adaptation: Choose a template that allows you to highlight transferable skills. You might need to add a section called "Transferable Skills" where you list skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability that you've gained in your previous career and are relevant to the new one.
- Design to Reflect New Industry: Use design elements (like colors and icons) that are associated with the new industry you're targeting. If you're moving from finance to graphic design, use more creative and colorful design elements.
Using Zety:
- AI for Skill Emphasis: Let the AI analyze your resume and suggest how to emphasize the skills that are important in the new career. It might help you rephrase your work experience to highlight the aspects that are transferable.
- ATS Compatibility: Make sure your resume is formatted correctly for ATS in the new industry. Different industries might have different ATS requirements, so this optimization is crucial.

Conclusion#

Resume Now has its pros and cons. While it offers a user-friendly interface and some useful templates, the limitations in the free version, template design, customer support, and pricing can be drawbacks. However, there are several excellent alternatives like Canva, Zety, Novoresume, and Resume Genius that provide different features and advantages. When building your resume, whether you use Resume Now or an alternative, following common and best practices for resume writing and using the resume builder effectively will increase your chances of getting noticed by employers. Remember to tailor your resume, use action verbs, highlight achievements, and keep it updated.

References#

Resume Now official website: https://www.resumenow.com/
Canva official website: https://www.canva.com/
Zety official website: https://zety.com/
Novoresume official website: https://novoresume.com/
Resume Genius official website: https://www.resumegenius.com/
Articles on resume writing best practices from reputable career websites (e.g., The Balance Careers, Indeed Career Guide)

This blog provides a comprehensive overview to help you make the right choice when it comes to creating your resume. Whether you stick with Resume Now or explore the alternatives, the key is to present yourself in the best possible light to potential employers.